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WHO supports Philippine Department of Health to respond to Typhoon Ruby

11 December 2014, Manila. As the country braced for typhoon Ruby, World Health Organization prepositioned with the Department of Health medical supplies and equipment including satellite phones for an immediate response. “Although the typhoon was weaker than typhoon Haiyan, it has still impacted families and health systems across the several regions. With the flooding, damaged health facilities, and mulitple evacuation centers, there are a number of public health risks which will need to be addressed over the coming weeks." said the WHO Country Representative in the Philippines Dr Julie Hall.

Health in Philippines - Bohol Earthquake: One year on

In this photo are the nurses and health workers of Sagbayan Rural Health Unit in Bohol, Philippines

15 October 2014 - On this day last year, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter Scale shook the Philippines. The epicentre was located in the island province of Bohol in Central Visayas but was felt as far as Southern Mindanao. Less than a month later, Typhoon Haiyan (known locally as Yolanda) swept through central Visayas. Although it did not cause significant damage on the island of Bohol, it had a strong impact on the emergency response. Many government and international humanitarian resources were moved from Bohol to address the health needs caused by Haiyan which in turn delayed the speed of the recovery in Bohol.

Six months after the typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)

Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) was the largest typhoon ever to hit the Philippines on the 8 November 2013 and affected estimated 16 million people. WHO and the Philippines Department of Health has co-lead the Health Cluster, working together with the other national and international health partners. The main objective has been to respond quickly and effectively, to restore health services for those in need. The health response has focused on obstetric and neo-natal care, trauma care, mental health and psychosocial support, chronic conditions and infectious diseases. Work has been done to strengthen the alert and surveillance capacity to avoid disease outbreaks.